The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 220/380 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European two-pin and UK-style three-pin.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but many dialects are spoken. English is widely understood in Jakarta and tourist resorts.

Travel Health

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to
Indonesia and medical advice should be taken at least three weeks
before departing. Yellow fever vaccinations are required for those
coming from yellow fever areas. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and
hepatitis B are recommended, and a typhoid vaccination may be
recommended fot those spending time in rural areas. Malaria is a
year-round risk in much of Indonesia, but not in Jakarta or the
tourist resorts of Java and Bali. The dengue fever mosquito is
found throughout Indonesia and visitors should be aware of a
significant increase in reported cases of dengue fever throughout
the country during the rainy season. Outbreaks of chikungunya
fever, also from mosquitoes, have occurred regularly in Indonesia
in recent years.

Travellers' diarrhoea is a major risk; visitors should only
drink sealed bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat,
salads and unpeeled fruit. Poor sanitation and eating contaminated
food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases.
The standard of local medical care is poor and very expensive. It
is essential to take out comprehensive medical and travel
insurance.

Tipping

Major hotels add a 10 percent service charge to bills in
Indonesia and, where it is not included, a tip of between five to
10 percent of the bill is appreciated. Airport porters usually
receive around Rp 2,000 per small bag. Tipping taxi and rental car
drivers is not mandatory but if you do choose to tip Rp 1,000 is
sufficient for taxi drivers and a little more for rental car
drivers.

Safety Information

Following the infamous bombings in Bali back in October 2005,
there remains a risk of terrorism directed against foreigners
throughout the country. It is recommended that visitors contact
their foreign office for the latest travel advice before travelling
to Indonesia. The security situation remains unsettled in central
Sulawesi and foreigners are advised to avoid parts of Maluku,
particularly Ambon. Visitors are also advised to be cautious if
travelling to Aceh. Religious violence and unstable politics are an
ongoing problem in Indonesia and travellers should keep an eye on
current affairs.

Indonesia has a high crime rate and theft and petty crime is
common in tourist areas and on public transport. Credit card fraud
is on the increase. Flooding and landslides occur frequently during
the rainy season between December and March. Not all Indonesian
airlines are considered safe and travellers should do some research
into reputable airlines before booking.

Local Customs

Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite and while
they understand that Western culture is different to their own, it
will be appreciated if their customs are respected. Religious
customs should also be respected, particularly during the month of
Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours
should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
Visitors should always be polite and avoid public displays of
affection. It is considered impolite to use the left hand for
passing or accepting things. Appropriate dress is important in
places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering
the shoulders and legs. The concept of 'saving face' is very
important and public displays of anger, ridicule and blame are
considered extremely vulgar and bad mannered. In Jakarta a law bans
people from giving money to beggars, buskers and unofficial traffic
guides in an attempt to 'bring order' to the city. Offenders could
face imprisonment and fines. Gambling is illegal.

Business

Due to the hot and tropical climate, formal business attire in a
light, cool material is the best option. Indonesia is largely
Muslim so dress should be conservative, especially for women.
Business cards are often exchanged and it is customary to shake
hands with a slight bow when greeting and departing. Some
Indonesian names can be long and hard to pronounce and making an
effort to get it right when greeting someone will be appreciated.
It is best to use formal titles such as Doctor, or 'Bapak' for Mr
and 'Ibu' for Madam. Business hours vary; government offices are
usually open from 7am to 3pm and small businesses from 8am or 9am
to 4pm or 5pm.

Communications

The international access code for Indonesia is +62. The local
mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements
with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in
the main towns and resorts.

Duty Free

Travellers to Indonesia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 100g tobacco; alcohol up to 1 litre;
perfume for personal use; and personal goods to the value of US$250
per passenger or US$1,000 per family. Travellers not entering on a
tourist visa will have to pay duties for photo and film cameras
unless these have been registered in their passport by Indonesian
Customs. Electronic equipment may not be imported to the country.
Prohibited items include Chinese medicines and prints, narcotics,
firearms and ammunition, pornography, cordless telephones, fresh
fruit or goods to be used for commercial gain.

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